"2026 is shaping up to be another milestone year for Detroit, and our food scene is leading the charge," says Claude Molinari, President & CEO of Visit Detroit. "MICHELIN inspectors are currently exploring and assessing restaurants across the tri-county region, with the excitement building for the 2027 star announcements."
Whether you're drawn by the buzz of the incoming Michelin stars, the world-class architecture or the fiercely local independent spirit, there has never been a better time to cross this iconic city off your bucket list. From masterfully restored boutique stays to neighborhood culinary institutions, here's exactly why Detroit deserves the top spot on your next long-weekend travel agenda.
Related: Michelin Names Its Best Places to Travel for Food Lovers
The 2026 Cultural Wave and Immersive Spaces
Detroit Tourism
The new Gordie Howe International Bridge, the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America, is nearing its highly anticipated official opening, connecting Detroit to Windsor, Ontario. It features a dedicated pedestrian and bicycle path that lets visitors experience the riverfront from an entirely new perspective. On the arts front, the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) recently reopened following a major update, which Pierce notes "feels like a fresh new chapter for the museum." Visitors can take in a special exhibit on Detroit artist Olayami Dabls, founder of the MBAD African Bead Museum.
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Where to Stay: Historic Preservation Meets Apartment Style
The Shinola Hotel’s stylish guest suites provide the perfect backdrop for a private "Curated by Coup" shopping experience.Shinola Hotel
"Detroit has so many great hotel options," Molinari says. "The Hotel David Whitney sits in the heart of the city near Grand Circus Park and is a big part of Detroit’s story. If you’re drawn to craftsmanship, the Shinola Hotel stands out for its attention to detail, while The Siren Hotel, inside the former Wurlitzer Building, is truly one-of-a-kind. For a quieter stay, The Inn on Ferry Street is in a beautifully restored Victorian mansion."
For something completely unique, Pierce points to the El Moore Lodge in Midtown. "Dating back to the 1890s, it was transformed after being abandoned into this gorgeous, sustainability-focused lodge and apartment space with geothermal heating, solar panels, gardens, and really thoughtful design throughout. It has a lovely garden space and cafe, which makes it feel personal in a way most hotels don’t."
Related: Inside the Detroit Michelin-Key Hotel That Brings the City's Best Boutique to Your Door
The Neighborhood Dining Conversation
Baobob Fare
"Baobab Fare in New Center serves up vibrant East African dishes that have quickly become local favorites," Molinari shares. Pierce echoes the praise, calling it her favorite restaurant in Detroit, period. "The food is approachable even if you’ve never had it before, and the owners’ story of coming to Detroit as refugees from Burundi and building this community-centered business to provide opportunities for so many others makes the place even more special."
For modern Moroccan soul, Molinari points to Saffron de Twah on the East Side, while Marrow’s blend of butchery and ambiance keeps it at the center of Detroit’s food conversation. If you are exploring Southwest Detroit, Pierce recommends El Asador, highlighting a specific dish from a chef who spent years working in high-end kitchens before opening his own place. "El Asador has my favorite steak in the city: Triple chili butter filet mignon. Everything is so good that even the simple side dishes of rice and beans are the best I've had. Bonus: it’s BYOB without a corking fee." For a classic stop, check out Golden Fleece—the oldest restaurant in Greektown. Pierce notes it features second-generation owners on-site daily, alongside a newly added modern Greek bar and coffee shop next door that boasts a fantastic espresso martini.
Morning Bites and Saturday Browsing
Detroit Tourism
One of the most exciting transformations in the city is the newly revived Michigan Central Station, which is now home to a new location for Yellow Light Coffee and Donuts. "Grab a donut, look around, and just take it all in," Molinari suggests. "That building's transformation is one of the most exciting things happening in Detroit today."
While wandering the neighborhood corridors, Pierce tells visitors to stop by Source Booksellers. "It’s one of the best independent bookstores anywhere, and the selection is incredibly thoughtful." Both experts recommend checking out the Shinola store on Woodward, City Bird and Pure Detroit, while Pierce adds Flo Boutique, Next Chapter, Three Thirteen and Viva La Vida Imports to the shopping trail. "They all feel very Detroit in different ways, which means creative, independent, personal and full of character."
Urban Green Spaces and Waterfront Views
A breathtaking sunset view over Belle Isle, Detroit's iconic 985-acre island park.Detroit Tourism
Connecting the Riverfront directly to Eastern Market is the Dequindre Cut Greenway, an urban path running below street level that Molinari describes as "lined with ever-changing murals and the city’s energy just above." For an unexpected escape inside the city limits, Pierce recommends Rouge Park. "The Stone Bridge Trail feels like you’re hours outside the city when you’re actually only about 20 minutes from downtown."
Related: This Michigan Landmark With the World’s Longest Porch Just Launched Its 140th Season
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